Event helps foes of gay marriage ban

Strengthened by controversy over a proposition that could glue a gay marriage ban into the Florida constitution, community activists put on a workshop Sunday about the importance of getting involved.

The weekend's two-day training session, which attracted dozens of people to the Courtyard by Marriott on Cypress Creek Road, was run by the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization. The program was part of a national event to help encourage volunteers to elect candidates the organization considers to be fair-minded, and defeat discriminatory ballot measures.

The Washington, D.C.-based organization is running "Camp Equality" in 13 cities over the next few months; Fort Lauderdale was the first.

Attendees were encouraged to take up a cause or a candidate, learn how to recruit - and keep - volunteers, and make a strong case that should carry over to the ballot. Don't pounce, they were taught, and always write a thank-you note. "We have to persuade them," Sean Gagen, a trainer, implored the audience. "We know they're going to vote, we have to make sure they're voting our way. And we have to talk to people who always vote."

Of particular concern is Amendment 2 on the November ballot, which would place Florida's ban against gay marriage into the state constitution. Social conservatives support the measure that opponents say threatens to unravel health and retirement benefits for unmarried couples, straight and gay, by blocking civil unions and domestic partnerships.

Silvia Salvadore, 59, a retired teacher from Miami, said she was troubled by Amendment 2 because she considers it stripping people of their civil rights. A Republican, she said she wants "to sell my Republican friends on the issues I'm talking about."

"This election has awakened a civic sense in people that really needed a little bit of stirring," said Toby Quaranta, the regional field organizer. "We want people to walk away being confident in their skills knowing that their work in this campaign can change the face of this election."